Plum tree &#34;Betty Anne&#34;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of plum tree; its novelty consisting of the following unique combination of features that are outstanding in a new variety. 
     1. Heavy and regular bearing of large fruit. 
     2. Late maturity of fruit. 
     3. Fruit that will hold firm on the tree 12 to 15 days after shipping ripe. 
     4. Fruit with good handling and shipping quality. 
     5. Fruit with good flavor and eating quality. 
     6. Vigorous, upright tree growth. 
     7. Relatively uniform ripening of fruit throughout the tree.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present new variety of plum tree was originated by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., as a first generationcross between a selected seedling with the field identification number105GD271 and Autumn Giant Plum (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,624). The maternalparent with the field identification number 105GD271 originated from across between Friar Plum (non-patented) and a selected seedling labeled59GA511. The selected seedling 59GA511 originated from a cross betweenMariposa Plum (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 111) and Ebony Plum (U.S. Plant Pat.No. 2,049). We grew and maintained a large number of these firstgeneration seedlings which gave many and varying characteristics, onesuch seedling, which is the present variety, exhibited distinct anddesirable fruit characteristics was selected for asexual reproductionand commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

The present new variety of plum tree was asexually reproduced bybudding, as performed by us in our experimental orchard located nearModesto, Calif. and shows that all characteristics of the tree and itsfruit run true to the original tree and are established and transmittedthrough succeeding propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of plum tree is of large size, vigorousupright growth and a productive and regular bearer of large, firm,clingstone fruit with good flavor and eating quality and ripening in thelate maturity season. The fruit is further characterized by holding firmon the tree 12 to 15 days after maturity (shipping ripe) with goodhandling, storage, shipping quality and having an attractive red skincolor. In comparison to the Autumn Giant Plum (U.S. Plant Pat. No.5,624), with which it has certain characteristics in common, the newvariety has firmer flesh and can tolerate hotter growing temperatureswithout internal flesh breakdown within the fruit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs show reproductions in color of typicalspecimens of the foliage and fruit of our new variety. The upper andlower surface of the leaves being shown, an exterior and sectional viewof the fruit being divided in the suture plane to reveal fleshcoloration, pit cavity and showing a stone remaining in place. Theillustrations were taken shortly after being picked at maturity (firmripe) and the colors are as nearly true as reasonably possible in acolor representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofplum tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit based on observations ofspecimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color terminology (exceptthose in common terms) in accordance with Reinhold Color Atlas by A.Kornerup and J. H. Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigor.--Vigorous.

Form.--Upright.

Density.--Medium dense.

Production.--Productive.

Bearing.--Regular bearer.

Trunk:

Size.--Medium to stocky.

Texture.--Medium shaggy.

Color.--Dull brown to brown (6-E-5) to (6-F-5).

Branches:

Size.--Medium.

Surface.--Medium rough.

Lenticeis.--Medium number. Medium size.

Color.--Light brown to brown.

Leaves:

Size.--Medium. Average length -- 41/4". Average width -- 11/2".

Texture.--Smooth.

Thickness.--Medium.

Form.--Oblanceolate. Pointed.

Margin.--Serrulate.

Petiole.--Medium length. Medium thickness.

Glands.--Globose. Number varies from 0 to 4. Average number 1.

Color.--Upper surface -- light green to green (26-E-5) to (26-E-7).Lower surface -- dull green to grayish green (25-D-4) to (25-D-6).

Flower buds:

Size.--Medium.

Length.--Medium.

Shape.--Plump.

Flowers:

Blooming period.--Mar. 1, 1992 to Mar. 8, 1992. Varies slightly withclimatic conditions.

Size.--Medium.

Pollen.--Present.

Color.--White.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--Aug. 24, 1992.

Date of last picking.--Sep. 2, 1992.

Size.--Large. Average diameter axially -- 21/4" to 21/2". Averagetransversely in suture plane -- 21/4" to 21/2".

Form.--Nearly Globose -- slightly flattened at base and on suture side.

Suture.--Pronounced -- extends from base to apex.

Ventral surface.--Varies from round to slightly recessed, lipped.

Base.--Retuse.

Cavity.--Rounded. Average depth -- 1/4". Average breadth -- 1/2".

Flesh:

Texture.--Firm and meaty.

Fibers.--Small, few, tender.

Ripens.--Evenly.

Flavor.--Mild -- good balance between acid and sugar.

Eating quality.--Good.

Juice.--Moderate.

Color.--Varies from yellow white to pinkish white (6-A-2) to (7-A-2) asdistance from pit cavity increases toward skin surface. Pit cavity --dull reddish brown (8-B-5) to (8-B-6), surface color stained from stone.

Skin:

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium, tenacious to flesh.

Tendency to crack.--Very slight.

Down.--Wanting.

Bloom.--Moderate.

Color.--Pale yellow to cream yellow ground color (4-A-2) to (4-A-4).Overspread with red to madder red (10-B-8) to (11-B-8). Numerous smalldots of yellow ground color.

Stone:

Type.--Clingstone.

Size.--Small to medium. Average length. -- 1". Average width. -- 3/4".Average thickness. -- 1/2".

Form.--Ovoid

Sides.--Mostly equal -- some unequal.

Surface.--Very shallow furrows, deeper toward base, lightly pittedthroughout.

Base.--Straight, width of base varies slightly.

Apex.--Acuminate.

Tendency to split.--None.

Color.--Varies from light brown to brown (8-D-4) to (8-D-7).

Use: Dessert.

Market.--Local and long distance.

Storage quality: Good.

Shipping quality: Good.

The present new variety of plum tree, is flowers, foliage and fruit mayvary in slight detail due to climatic, soil conditions and culturalpractices under which the variety may be grown; the present botanicaldescription is that of the variety grown under the ecological conditionsprevailing near Modesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of plum tree, substantially asillustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorousupright growth and a productive and regular bearer of large, firm,clingstone fruit with good flavor and eating quality; the fruit isfurther characterized by having an attractive red skin color, havinggood storage and shipping quality and in comparison to Autumn Giant Plum(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,624), has firmer flesh with no internal fleshbreakdown during growing periods of high temperatures.